Dental Occlusion - The Basics of Our Health

Dental occlusion is an essential aspect of dentistry

Occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth.

• This complex interaction influences not only masticatory function, but also smile aesthetics and the overall health of the mouth.
• A correct occlusion allows for even distribution of chewing forces, thus protecting teeth and supporting structures, such as bones and gums, from excessive wear and trauma.

There are several types of occlusion, the main one being centric occlusion, where the teeth are perfectly aligned.

Malocclusions include various abnormalities such as crowded teeth, excessive spacing, overbite, and underbite.

Malocclusions can result from genetic factors, poor oral habits (such as thumb sucking), premature loss of baby or permanent teeth, or trauma.

• The consequences of incorrect occlusion are varied.
• These may include temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
• Headaches, muscle pain in the neck and shoulders.
• Chewing and digestion problems.
• Additionally, poor occlusion can lead to premature tooth wear, increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

Diagnosis of occlusion is usually made during routine dental examinations.

Dentists use several methods to assess occlusion, including plaster models of teeth with articulators , X-rays, and modern digital tools like intraoral scanners.

• Once the nature of the occlusion has been determined, various treatments can be considered.
• Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are commonly used to correct malocclusions.
• In some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the jaws.

In conclusion, dental occlusion plays a crucial role in overall oral health.

• A good occlusion contributes to functionality, aesthetics and overall well-being.
• A bad bite can lead to a range of health problems.

Regular dental care and early intervention are essential to maintain optimal occlusion and prevent associated complications.

A new dental prosthesis must absolutely be perfectly controlled with articulating paper in centric occlusion but also in the lateralities.

A perfect occlusion can be achieved over several sessions.

Consult your dentist regularly.